The world today seems to always focus on the negative. People look for every flaw, search for every excuse, and complain about every situation, but it is so important to take the time to think about all the good in your life and be grateful for it. No matter what situation you are in, no matter how devastating it may seem, there is always something to be grateful for. James E. Faust taught, “A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.” Once we recognize all we have, we can use our blessings as motivation to be better and inspire others to do the same. So, while it’s true, we do not have all the liberty we were meant to have, we still have freedoms and we need to work hard to preserve the ones we do have! Being grateful for those blessings means you care enough about them to take care of them. I urge you to take five minutes out of your day to think about all you have. Think of the people in your life who help you and comfort you, think about the knowledge you have access to, and think about the blessings you may have not even recognized before, then do all you can to protect and preserve them. Remember the words of Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” Life is not easy, and it’s not meant to be, but there is always good and there is always light. I am so beyond grateful for those who have taught me so much, for the freedoms I have, and for the ability to fight for the freedoms we are meant to have. I know it is difficult, but by focusing on the light, we can make it through the dark. 

With reassurance and confidence,

Publius